July 26, 2024.

For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Nadine Ramdass.

Making headlines:

Warm welcome for South Africa’s first female Chief Justice

ActionSA says Zizi Kodwa’s resignation was overdue

And, Burundi reports 3 mpox cases

Warm welcome for South Africa’s first female Chief Justice

Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement that he had decided to name Mandisa Maya as the country’s new Chief Justice, there has been an overwhelmingly positive reception to her appointment, particularly as she is set to become the first female Chief Justice in South Africa.

Raymond Zondo will step down as Chief Justice when his term expires on August 31, and after consultation with the Judicial Service Commission and political parties, Ramaphosa decided Deputy Chief Justice Maya would be suitable to lead the judiciary from September 1.

The African National Congress expressed its support for Maya and pointed to her qualifications and judicial record in being able to lead South Africa’s judiciary.

ActionSA said Maya’s appointment was historic and a landmark moment for South Africa’s judicial system and the country’s commitment to gender equality and women empowerment.

The Democratic Alliance congratulated Maya on her appointment and wished her well in her role, and also thanked outgoing Chief Justice Zondo for his contributions.

The Motor Industry Staff Association also gave its approval for Maya's appointment, noting that she was the only candidate recommended for this position by the JSC.

ActionSA says Zizi Kodwa’s resignation was overdue

After declaring itself the “constructive opposition”, Action SA says the African National Congress’s so called “mealy-mouthed” acceptance of Zizi Kodwa’s resignation as ANC MP is an indication of their lack of commitment to fighting corruption.

Kodwa, a former Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for State Security, was implicated in the State Capture Commission of Inquiry for allegedly receiving a R1.7-million bribe from an executive of a local technology company, which received government tenders.

On Tuesday, Kodwa and his co-accused, businessman Jehan Mackay, briefly appeared in court. Their case was postponed to August 21.

ActionSA parliamentary caucus leader Athol Trollip said it is unthinkable for a member of Parliament to simultaneously juggle courtroom appearances for breaking corruption laws while also serving in Parliament and shaping the country's laws.

He said the ANC’s integrity committee and step-aside policy did not prevent Kodwa being sworn in as an MP, despite the allegations of corruption against him.

Burundi reports 3 mpox cases

Burundi has reported three cases of mpox in its commercial capital and a nearby town, its health ministry said.

The cases of the viral infection, two in Bujumbura, and one 30 km away in Isare, were confirmed after a local laboratory and the World Health Organization conducted tests.

The health ministry said the patients are being treated in health facilities and are improving, while contact cases are already listed and their follow-ups are underway.

The health ministry did not say which variant of the mpox virus the ministry had confirmed.

Mpox has been endemic in Burundi's neighbour, Democratic Republic of Congo for decades but a new variant of the clade I virus emerged last year.

The infection caused by the monkeypox virus spreads through close contact, causing flu-like symptoms and a painful rash. Most cases are mild but it can kill.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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